1864                                                                Boston.

Feb 9^th Tuesday. Came from Exeter arrived here at two oclock. had dinner and then went down in town shoping bought a dress for Esther. feel rather tired but will get ready to go to the surprise party at Steamer St. house. dont think I shall go now for there has just been an alarm of fire so I suppose they wont have it. there goes the door bell. wonder who it is. Mr Ryder. yes I shall go. so good night.

Wednesday 10^th Did not have time when I came home from the party to write the particulars but will do so now. We had just got there and taken off our things and there was another fire and all the gentleman went. it was about 9 oclock. the Ladies stayed and got every thing ready for a good supper when they got home. at 11 oclock they had a very nice supper. Clam chowder chicken ham all kinds of pies and cake cheese hot coffee and every thing nice. I had a splendid time. got home at four oclock this morning. got up about 7 oclock and went in the shop Basted four coats. like very well. when I got home tonight found a letter from Stephen. answered it. Mr Marston called in a little while.

Thursday 11^th—Went to the shop this morning worked all day. just got home, found a letter from Mother. Laurin just come in wants me to play a game of Eucer. then I am going to answer my letter and make a call with Han /

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Friday Feb 12^th—Washed this forenoon because I was waiting for work. went to the shop this afternoon. was no work. went to Mrs Wright's. went out shoping with her then came home. dont like having to wait for work after working only two days. am going to iron this evening. company down stairs Miss Clara Marston. cousin of Hannah's.

Saturday 13^th—Have been to work all day. basted four coats. could have done more but had to wait. this afternoon Hannah and Mrs Hathaway called in the shop to see me. Hannah had got me another place to work nearer home. going Monday morning.

Sunday 14^th—Valentines day, have not been to church today but am going this evening with Mrs Abbott and Hannah. has been a number in today. Mr & Mrs Knowles, Freman and Laurin. Willie and Mamie. have written four letters.

Monday 15^th—Went into my new shop to work this morning. think I shall like very well. about 100 persons work there. as I was coming home to supper met Mr Ryder. he said he had been up to the house to invite me to go to a ball tomorrow eve. think I shall go. Mrs Hutchings is going with us.

Tuesday 16^th—Have just got home from the shop. it is snowing some. dont know whether I shall go to the Ball or not. think I wont get ready unless Mr R comes. /

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Wednesday Feb 17^th It is a very cold day. it cleared off cold last evening. went to the Ball. Mr R called about 8 oclock for me. had not begun to get ready. did not take me long to get ready. had a very good time. think I have had better. got home at three oclock.

Thursday 18^th—Cant write but a line for have got to get ready to go to a surprise party at the Ladder house.

Friday 19^th—I feel rather tired tonight. went to the party last evening. had a splendid time. got home at half past three. Laurin came home with me. they presented Capt Marston with a very handsome photograph album. holds 50 pictures. had an alarm of fire at two oclock but did not prove to be a fire. the men were gone about half an hour.

Saturday 20^th—Am glad it is Saturday night. have worked in my new shop a week. like there very much. like Miss Drake (the lady that learns me) very much. there are two deaf and dumb girls work at the same table with me. like them ever so much. get along first rate. have passed four coats this week. wonder what Mattie is doing tonight. should like to peep into her house just to see if every thing is as it should be. perhaps she is thinking of me. should like to see her. wish she was here tonight. /

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Sunday 21—This has been a very lovely day. seemed like spring. went over to see Uncle Perry and Charlotte met Arther Gooch coming over in the city. was very glad to see him. went to Sabbath School Concert with Hannah this evening

Monday 22^nd—Went to the shop this morning. worked all the forenoon and as today was the Anaversary of Washington's birth-day the shop was closed this afternoon. did not like that at all for I wanted to work. but about three oclock this afternoon, as I was sitting by the window sewing, I looked out and who should I see but John Taylor. he came in stayed about half an hour. then I went down in town with him. got back at 5 oclock. went to a surprise party with Laurin at 8 oclock and have just got home. now it is past two but as I did not feel very sleepy thought I would write a few lines. had a splendid time to the party. it was a surprise for Mrs Hines, it was her birthday.

Wednesday 24—When I got home from the shop tonight I found a letter from Stephen with his photograph. it is a first rate one and I think a great deal of it. am going now to answer the letter, then am going to retire early for I am quite tired. /

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Sunday 28—Have been down to Cad Wrights. she was glad to see me, said she had been looking for me all day. got home at 6 oclock.

Monday eve 12½ oclock—29.—Have just got home from an assembly, went with Mr Clifford had a very good time. went into Brigham's and had some oysters when we were coming home.

Tuesday. March 1—Found a letter from Mat. when I got home from the shop and such a nice long one. wish all my letters were as long as that. would like very much to see the creature tonight. hope she will come up Fast.

Thursday 3—Have just got home from the shop. am going to an assembly this evening at the Ladder house. Maggie and Kate (two girls that work in the shop with me) are going with me. Maggie is a darling girl. I do love her.

Friday 4—Went to the Ladder house last night. had a spendid time. got home at three oclock. Maggie and Kate went but they went home before I did for Maggie was sick. she danced too long. she dont enjoy very good health but she loves to dance so well that she dont stop to think how much it hurts her to dance so long. she is a splendid dancer. /

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Saturday March 5—There was a very large fire here today but a few buildings from the shop. it commenced about ½ past one last night and lasted untill noon today. then about three this afternoon it broke out again and when I came home tonight the steamers were down there. Byran has gone to New Hampshire to his Fathers to stay a few days and Hannah and I are keeping old maids hall.

Sunday 6—It is quite rainy today. have not been out. Freman Laurin & George Ladd called in this afternoon. written two letters today one to Stephen one to Mat.

Monday 7—Has been raining all day. Mamie was in and passed the evening with us. mended my dress.

Tuesday 8^th—Had a very agreeable surprise this morning about two oclock. the doorbell rung and Mr Mersite went to the door and who should be there but Stephen. was very much surprised to see him. did not expect him home. we are going to Exeter this morning.

Saturday 12^th—Came from Exeter this morning. had a very nice visit for a short one. every one was glad to see Stephen. we went and see most all his folks in Rye North Hampton and Hampton. are going to Concord Monday. the time passes very quick. /

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Sunday 13^th—Have been over to Washington Village and down to Cad Wright's and now I cannot write but a few words for it is 12 oclock.

Tuesday 15^th—Went to Concord yesterday noon and came back last night. the Reg had got to come to Boston this morning so Stephen thought he would come last night and this morning I went to the depot with him to meet the Reg. they come and he started for the boat and I came home. I feel very lonesome now he is gone.

Wednesday 16^th—Have been in the shop today to work. the girls were glad to see me. did not feel like working but thought I should feel better in the shop than at home.

Thursday 17—Today is St Patricks day and the Irish have had a great time. every society marched around the city. Mary Johnson and I went out and saw them. there were some of the most splendid banners I ever saw. I should think the procession was more than a mile long. they had 15 bands. Saw George Chase but he did not see me. he played in one band. Laurin and Bell have been in this evening. Mrs Merrill had a surprise party last night. they made me go in a little while. I should think they had a very good time. they went home about half past eleven. should like to see my little Elmer tonight. the day Stephen went away he had some photographs taken. I got one of /

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them today. they are very good. am going to have half a dozen.

Sunday 20—Today is my birth-day. am 25 years old quite an old lady. have been married four years today. there have been many changes in that time.

Tuesday 22.—Do not feel very smart today. went to the shop yesterday morning. about 9 oclock felt cold and had an auful headache, and about noon felt so sick thought I would come home. when I got home went to bed and Hannah dosed me up so I feel considerable better this morning. there is the penny post with a letter for me. my letter is from Stephen he got back to camp Friday afternoon safe, but rather tired. but I will not write any more for I guess I will go to the shop.

Saturday 26—To day Abbie come we were very glad to see her. she will stay in Boston awhile.

Sunday eve—27.—Abbie and I have been to meeting tonight with her father. it is the first evening I have been out anywhere since Stephen went away.

Monday 28—Abbie and I have just got home from a dance. it is half past one we went with Mr Clifford. first to a dancing school, then about 11 oclock we went up to a party at H[?] 4[?] on North Hampton St. we did not have a very nice time for they were all strangers to us. /

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Wednesday 30—Got a letter from Stephen yesterday with Sarg^t Morrison's photograph in it. got another from him tonight and one from Ada with her husbands photograph. was very much pleased with both pictures.

Thursday 31—Had a letter from Mother today with George Davis's and Mary Jane Tanner's photographs. Mary is married. Mother wrote that the folks were all well Elmer says tell Mama I a good boy. I should like to see the darling boy.

Friday April 1—When I got home from the shop tonight, found another letter from Stephen am very glad to get letters from him so often. he writes that he is very well. have got five letters and four photographs this week.

Saturday—2—Had to work at the shop tonight till half past eight oclock the new store was open today for the first time and the shop has been full of people all day. the store is splendid. I think it the handsomest store I was ever in. Erskine Hebberd was in the shop. was glad to see him.

Sunday 3—Hannah and I have just come from Cad Wright's. we went down after tea. had not been out before for the day.

Tuesday—5—Got a letter from Stephen today he has been promoted to Sergt. /

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Wednesday 6—Another letter from Stephen, he wants me to make him some Chevrons, also a letter from Mat saying that she and John Taylor will come up here tomorrow and want me to meet them at the Depot.

Thursday 7—Fast day—Went to the Depot to meet Mat but she did not come. John did, and I invited him to come up to the house which he did, and when he went home I went to the depot with him. saw Asel Brigham there. walked part way from the depot with him we have had considerable many callers to-day. Laurin and Bell. George and Albert Ladd. Charley Walls & co

Saturday 9—Asked Mr Goff about those chevrons. he found the cloth and cut them out for me. shall make them the first of the week.

Sunday 10—It is a cold stormy day. have written three letters. have not been out of the house today.

Monday 11—Another stormy day. have been to the shop. made Stephen's chevrons this afternoon. have got to sleep alone tonight. Hannah is not very well and wants Abbie to sleep with her. so I will go to bed.

Tuesday 12—Had a letter from Stephen. have just answered it and am going to retire. have got to sleep alone again tonight. Abbie is going to sleep with Hannah. Mr Clifford Laurin and Freman called in this evening. has snowed all day. /

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Wednesday 13—Received a letter from Martha Jenness tonight. was glad to hear from her. she wrote that a child of Albion Rumery was dead. I am going to loose my bedfellow. Abbie is going to Chicopee tomorrow. I shall be lonesome when she is gone. sent Stephen a bundle.

Thursday 14—Abbie has gone to Chicopee. I feel real lonesome and homesick. did not get any letter from Stephen. feel very much disappointed. have been book keeper today down to the shop. the book keeper was sick and Mr Goff wanted me to take her place.

Friday—15—Had a letter from Stephen tonight. he wrote that the Reg had orders to be ready to march at a moments notice.

Saturday 16—Have been book keeper three days. like it very much. would like such a situation.

Sunday 17—It has been a splendid day but I have not been out. wanted to go to Washington Village but did not feel very smart so concluded not to go. wrote to Stephen. should have written to Mat but did not feel able. have got a bad cold and had the head ache. would like to step into Mattie's just to see what she is buseying herself about. would like to see my darling little Elmer. feel real lonesome. /

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Monday 18—Had a letter from Stephen. worked all day.

Tuesday 19—Another letter from Stephen. he has got the chevrons and likes them very much.

Wednesday 20—Still another letter from Stephen with five dollars 5.00 in it; have just answered it.

Friday 22—Coming from the shop tonight I saw a Co of 50 Cavilry men all mounted, riding two abrest down Washington St. they did look nice, but it made me feel real bad. George Ladd came in this evening and brought a great paper of maple sugar it was very nice. Laurin also called in. also Fanny Campbell. Mary Johnson has been telling me today about what she dreamed last night. it was that Stephen and I were both dead. a very strange dream but people say dreams go by contraries. if so that must be a good one.

Saturday 23—This morning when I went to the shop it rained quite hard but it was an April shower and soon cleared off, and this afternoon it has been splendid and quite warm. George Bartlett from Brentwood was in this evening and George Ladd called in a few moments. am glad it is Saturday night and I can rest tomorrow. I should like very much to see Stephen and Elmer tonight. /

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Sunday 24—Have written three letters and been over to Uncle Perry's. Charlott and little Perry came home with me and stayed about an hour. it has been a splendid day, almost like summer.

Monday 25—This has been a disagreeable rainy day. worked all day and mended all the evening. feel tired enough to retire now.

Tuesday 26—Another rainy day. rain and fires seem to be the order of the day this week. there was a fire on Friend St. last night and tonight one on Washington St. I dont know what was burned. had a letter from Stephen tonight. the Reg has moved from Portsmouth. Laurin called in stayed until the fire alarm was given.

Wednesday 27—Did not work this afternoon. went down to see Dr Astill got some medicine. Hannah went with me. met Hugh Munroe on the street. had a letter from Hattie.

Thursday 28—We have had another stormy day or at least it rained part of the day. there was another small fire tonight. had a letter from Mother. was glad to hear that they were all well at home. am going to Cad Wright's to spend the night tomorrow night.

Saturday 30—Today is the last day of April. went to Cad Wright's last night had a very nice time. Lizzie Merrill's cousin was there and played on the piano and we danced /

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and had some singing. he is a very good player. his name is George Smith. played cards. went to bed at 12 oclock. there was an alarm of fire just as I got into bed. it was in box 12. got a letter from Stephen tonight.

Sunday May 1—Have not been out today. have written a letter to Stephen, and arranged my photographs in my album. Stephen sent me one of his Cap^t photograph and George Ladd gave me one of his last night have got 36 in my album.

Monday 2—Got up and washed this morning and went to the shop and worked all day. have had the blues. was in hopes to have a letter from Stephen tonight, but was disappointed.

Tuesday 3—Rained quite hard this morning when I went to the shop, but cleared away in the forenoon and has been very pleasant this afternoon. had a letter from Stephen tonight. Laurin and George called in this eve.

Wednesday 4—It has been a beautiful day. worked all day. Fanny Campbell and Mamie called in this evening.

Thursday 5^th Had a letter from Stephen and had just commenced to answer it when Laurin came in and asked me to go to walk with him. went up on the common and saw the deers and round by the public garden, up Pleasant St. and Washington St. and home. got /

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home about 11 oclock and now have answered my letter and will now retire.

Friday 6—This has been a very warm day. would like to know where Stephen is tonight for the papers state that the army is on a march towards Richmond. I hope he wont be in that Battle, if he is I shall hope for the best.

Saturday 7—Have had the blues all day. did not feel much like work so went out awhile at noon and bought me a hat—[?]—paid 1.75 for it. did not get any letter from Stephen. Laurin Hannah and I have been down town.

Sunday 8—Have written two letters one to Stephen one to Mother. would like to see Stephen and Elmer tonight. it has been a very nice day have not been out at all.

Monday 9—Have not felt much like work today. the news from war is very favorable. came home from the shop early. Fanny came over this evening. she, Hannah, and I went over to the Ladder house and when we came home Laurin and George came with us, and then we went out for a walk, and went home with Fannie. had a very pleasant time. wore my new hat with Laurin's badge on it. also my new boots which I got tonight.

Tuesday 10—Got a band box from Mother today with my sack and dress in it and $20.00 which I sent for. she wrote that all the folks were well and that Elmer grows fast. /

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Wednesday 11—Hannah and I have been out shoping this afternoon. we bought us some sacks and dresses alike I am very tired. we went to Lewisburg square to see Bell. had a nice time she treated us on oranges.

Thursday 12—Have ripped the trimming off my bonnet and am going to have it bleached and pressed, then get it trimmed. have got my new hat trimmed. Laurin was in but had to go for there was a fire.

Friday 13—Has been very unpleasant all day.

Saturday 14—Laurin and I have been down to carry my bonnet to be bleached, bought me a pair of hose and also a pair of gloves. bought a hoop skirt this afternoon

Sunday15—Have been down to see Ben Wright. he is quite sick. looks very poor and pale. is out of his head most all the time. have written three letters.

Monday 16—no letter from Stephen tonight. have cut over two pairs of stockings for Elmer and made one pair.

Tuesday 17—Ben Wright is dead. Lizzie told me this morning. he died last night. I can hardly believe it. went down there before I came home from the shop. poor Cad feels dreadfully. I do pity her to be left a widdow with three little children. it is very sad. Ben looks very natural. I did not think when I saw him Sunday night it was the last time I should ever /

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see him alive. had a letter from Stephen tonight, was glad to hear that he is alive and well. it was written the 11^th and mailed the 15^th—

Wednesday 18—Had a letter from Frank today.

Thursday 19—Ben Wright was carried to Clinton Co. today to be burried. went to the funeral this morning at 8 oclock. I do pity Cad. what will she do now with those three little children to take care of. have worked this afternoon. Robert walked home with me from the shop. he boards in Roxbury.

Friday 20—It is just 1 year and 8 months since Stephen went away. Mary and I have worked very hard today. Robert walked up again with me tonight. it is very pleasant to have company home.

Saturday 21—Mary Johnson and I have been to the Museum this afternoon. the play was the Marble Heart. it was very nice. has been very very warm.

Sunday 22—Fannie came in about 6 oclock and we went out to walk met Uncle Freman, went with him and had some soda, then went to meeting.

Monday 23—Had a letter from Stephen, also one from Frank Mother has hurt her other leg. am very sorry for her.

Friday 27—Sent a band box home with some things for Elmer and a sack for Frank. had a letter from Stephen. /

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Saturday 28—Have just come from Cad Wright's, she thinks of moving and takeing two or three rooms for herself and the children.

Sunday 29—Have written to Stephen and Martha Jenness this has been a splendid

SOURCES